Engine



A. J. MEYER March '19, 1935.

ENGINE Filed May 27, 1932 I 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

ENGINE Filed May 27, 1932 s sheets-s eet 2 ATTORNEY.

March 19, 1935.

A. J. MEYER 1,994,529

,ENGINE Filed May 27, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Mar. 19, 1935 UNITED STATES ENGINE 'Andre J. Meyer, Detroit,Mich, assignor to Continental Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich-, acorporation of Virginia Application May 27, 1932, Serial No. 613,971

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improved methods and machines for generating,cutting, or grinding a spherical portion or ball portion.

One important adaptation and use of my invention is in connection withgrinding or cutting the ball portions of a valveshaft. of the wobblecrank type for a sleeve valve engine illustrated in the copendingapplication, Ser No. 492,503 filed October 31, 1930 by James 0. Fink andassigned to the assignee company herein. It should be understoodhowever, that my invention is not limited to valveshafts as myimprovements, are adapted for generating or cutting ball portions onwork of various kinds and for various uses.

It is an object of my invention to provide improved methods and meansforcutting or grinding ball portions with greatly increased accuracy andin a simplified and less costly manner.

Heretofore and especially. where a high degree of finish and accuracy isdesirable for metallic ball portions as in the instance of a valveshaftball portion, the ball portions have been finish ground by a cutting orgrinding wheel peripherally concaved to conform with the de-- siredspherical surface of the ball portion. Such a method requires repeateddressing of the cutting wheel and is relatively inaccurate as comparedwith my method by which I have cut ball portions accurate within ahundred thousandth of an inch. By reason of my invention I am furtherenabled to obtain a much better finish for the ball portions than hasbeen possible with methods and machines employed heretofore.

One phase of my invention resides in turning the work 011 an axiscontaining the longitudinal axis of the ball portion, and in oneembodiment of my invention the axis of the ball portion may be movedabout the axis of the work eccentric to the axis of the ball portion,but in the latter instance the cutter is preferably moved with the sameeccentricity whereby to follow the path of the ball portion. Therefore,I desire it understood that my reference in the specification an claimsto turning the ball portion about its longitudinal axis, or similarexpressions, means relative to the cutter. Therefore, considering therelative arrangement of cutter and work, the work is rotated about thelongitudinal axis of the ball portion and for a grinding operationillustrated as the cutting step in my drawings, the cutter is rotatedabout an axis which approximately intersects the axis of rotation of theball portion. For exact grinding, the tool and ball portion axes shouldexactly intersect and I provide a simple method for readily determiningsuch condition, although it will be understood that minor deviationsfrom the exact intersecting relationship may not be required in oertainclasses of work where small errors are not important.

I preferably form the cutter, for a grinding operation by way ofexample, in the nature of a cylindrical wheel, the cutter presenting anannular cutting face. Since the cutter is rotated, the cutting edgecontour is not important to a successful embodiment of my invention. Iprefer to provide a simply formed cutter of cylindrical form wherein theinside diameter is less than the diameter of the ball portion across theball faces and wherein the outside diameter is greater than theprojected axial length of the fall face portions, being the distanceacross the ball flats where suchflats are provided. Within limitationsit is possible to incline the cutter axis of rotation out of thepreferred relation with the axis of the ballportion, keeping these axesintersecting or in the same plane.

As a further embodiment of my invention I have provided a device ormachine utilizing the foregoing methods for simultaneously cutting orgrinding a plurality of ball portions spaced along the work. The workmay take the form of a wobble valve shaft as illustrated, wherein theball portions are relatively angularly spaced. In my machine cutters arearranged for each ball portion, the cutters being moved in timedrelation with the rotation of the work and following the movement of therespective ball portions. In its broader aspects, so far as I am aware,my machine is broadly novel as to any means for simultaneously cutting aplurality of ball portions relatively angularly and longitudinallyspaced.

My invention has an application to various types and forms of work forvarious purposes. Thus, I have illustrated the cutting of a ball portionon a valve, the ball portion facilitating the accurate valve seating.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent as thisspecification progresses, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of device for cutting a single ball portionturning on its longitudinal axis,

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the cutter and ball portionillustrating the method of locating the axis of the cutter,

Fig. 7 is ardiagrammatic View illustrating the driving belt for thevarious cutters of the Fig. 5 machine,

. ting face 22.

Fig. 8 is an end elevation view of the Fig. 5 machine showing the timeddrive for the groups of cutters, and

Fig. 9 is a view corresponding to Fig.6 illustrating a modified form ofcutter drive.

In the drawings and referring first to Figs. 1 to 3, the work or ballportion A is mounted on mandrel 10 driven by dog 11 from the headstock12 of lathe B. The tailstock 13 cooperates to center the work forrotation on centers14, 15 whereby the ball portion A is turned about itslongitudinal axis lying, in this instance, along centers 14, 15.

A tool carriage C is movable by handle 16 and screw 17 to feed thecarriage C in guides 18 toward work 'A. The carriage C is provided witha spindie 19 rotated at high speed, for grinding operations, by a belt20 acting on spindle pulley 21.

On the spindle 19 is mounted a cutter D, which, for grinding purposesillustrated, is formed of the usual abrasive material and is preferablycylindrical in shape so as to present an annular cut- The insidediameter 23 of this cutting face is preferably less than the diameter ofthe ball portion across the ball faces (see Fig. 3) and the outsidediameter 24 is greater than the projected axial length of the ball faceportions, being the distance 25 across the ball flats 26 (see Fig. 2).

The spindle 19 is adjusted vertically to set the spindle and cutter axis:r-a: for intersection with the axis 11-1! of the work, the operatornoting such relation when the grinding marks 2'1 appear to cross eachother arcuately as illustrated in Fig. 2. It will be understood that thecutter is rotated at high speed and the work at very low speed. Thehandle 16 is operated to feed the cutter D toward the work until thedesired di- 'ameter of ball portion is reached. The ball portion ispreferably first rough machined although receives its drive from pulley60 and driving belt my method and machine may be employed if dried tofashion the ball portion from rough s c In Fig. 4 the valve 28 is turnedon its axis to fashion ball portion 29 by reason of cutter D as before.The dotted line 29' representsthe stock which may be cut away after thegrinding operation to form valve 23 although if desired the valve may beturned in the form illustrated. Here again the axes of. the valve andcutter are intersecting.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 8, I have embodied my methods in connection witha machine for simultaneously grinding the ball portions A' of a wobblecrank E for an eight cylinder engine by way of example, the ballportions being relatively et 43 and chain-44.

a'ngularly spaced about the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the wobble shaft.Thework is turned on centers 30, 31 provided by headstock 32 andtailstock 33 of the machine F. This machine is provided with a pluralityof similar cutters D, constructed as described in connection with Figs.1 to 3, and cutter carriers or carriages G. Each carrier G is movablysupported on inner and ,outer cranks 34, 35 respectively carried bydiscs 36, 3'7 which in turn are respectively mounted for rotation inunison on inner and outer shafts 38, 39. One of these shafts 38 may be afollower and the other the driver by a set of gears 40, 41 at one end ofthe machines The driving gear 40 is carried on a drive shaft 42 drivenby sprock- The eccentricity of cranks 341 3515. the same as theeccentricity of the longitudinal axes 11-41 of rotation of valveshaft E.There is a carrier G and cutter D associated with each ballportion A andthe carriers and their actuating cranks 34, 35 are relatively angularlyadvanced just the same as the various ball portions A are relativelyangularly advanced. To provide room for the carriages G, successivecarriages longitudinally of the machine are located alternately on forpermitting the belt to drivingly accommodate the movement of the pulleys45. A spring 49 maintains the desired tension for idler 47. Each belt 46is driven by a pulley 50 receiving power from an associated belt 51 andpulley 52. As the carriages G move with combined vertical and horizontalmovements, the belts 46 will slip sufficiently along the wide faces ofpulleys 45 to continuously drive the cutters D at high speed.

Each longitudinal group of carriages G is preferably mounted on acarrier H, the two carriers (see Fig. 6) being movable during thecutting operation toward or from each other by reason of the handle 53and the right and left hand threads 54, 55 of shaft 56, the threadsengaging a threaded brackets 57, 58 respectively carried by the carriersH. In this manner the cutters may be simultaneously advanced duringcutting to the desired extent. f

Referring to Fig. '8, the chain 44 is driven by a sprocket 59 rotatingwith dog 11' and valveshaft E whereby the work and carriages G are alldriven in'timed relation. The sprocket 59 61." An idler under tension ofspring 66 permits the chain 44 to yield sumciently for carriers H tomove as aforesaid, shafts 42 being. movable with these carriers. 7

Referring to Fig. 9, the carriages G are driven asin Fig. 6 whereby thecutters D follow the ball portions A. However, in Fig.9 each cutter hasits spindle 19 driven by a motor movable with each carriage, such as theelectric motor J. :Thus each motor drives a pulley 62 and belt 63engaging driven pulley 64 of spindle 19, such arrange- I ment doing awaywith the broad faced pulleys 45, belt-46, and idler 47 of Figs. 6 and'7. Any suitable type of motor J may be employed such, as an air turbineor other type instead of an electrie motor as illustrated. The provisionof an I individual motor for each carriage simplifies the machinesomewhat.

Various modifications and changes will be 3P7 parent within theteachings of my invention and I do not limit my claims to the particularconstruction and arrangement of parts as illustrated .and described.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a device for cutting a ball portion of the character described,means for turning the ball portion on centers with the longitudinal axisof the ball portion rotating about said centers and at all .timesextendingsubstantially. parallel with .an axis containing said centers,a tool for cutting said ball portion, and means for ,moving said tool insuccessive substantially parallel positions whereby the tool is causedto follow the path of the ball portion during cutting thereof;

15 of ball portions A withrespectto the axis z-z 2.- In a device forcuttin a ball portion or the means for rotating said tool during said,movement.

3. In a device for cutting a ballportion of the character described,means for turning the ball portion on centers with the longitudinal axisof the ball portion rotating about said centers and at alltimes'substantially parallel with an axis containing said centers, atool for cutting said ball portion, means for moving said tool insuccessive substantially parallel positions whereby the tool is causedto follow the path of the ball portion during cutting thereof, and meansfor rotating said tool about an axis approximately intersecting thelongitudinal axis of the ball portion. 4

,4. In a machine for simultaneously cutting ball portions on a shaft,the ball portions having their longitudinal axes spaced from the axis ofthe shaft, means for rotating said shaft on an axis eccentric with thelongitudinal axes of said ball portions, a tool in engagement with therespective ball portions, and means for moving said tools to maintaintheir axes in successive parallel positions whereby the tools follow therespective paths of the ball'portions engaged therewith.

5. In a machine for simultaneously cutting ball portions on a shaft, theball portions having their longitudinal axes spaced from the axis of theshaft, means for rotating said shaft on an axis eccentric with thelongitudinal axes of said ball portions, a tool in engagement with therel:

spective ball portions, means for moving said tools to maintain theiraxes in successive parallel positions whereby the tools follow therespective paths of the ball portions engaged therewith,

and means for rotating said tools.

6. In a machine for simultaneously cutting.

' ball portions on a shaft, the ball portions having.

their longitudinal axes spaced from the.,a'xis of the shaft, means forrotating said shaft on an axis eccentric with the longitudinal axes ofsaid ball portions, a tool in engagement with the respective ballportions, means for moving said tools whereby the tools' follow therespective paths of the ball portions engaged-therewith,

eccentric with the longitudinal axes of said ball portions, a tool inengagement with therespective ball portions,means for moving said toolswhereby the tools follow the respective paths of the ball portionsengaged therewith, and means for driving said tools and said shaft intimed relation. l l

8. In a device for cutting a ball'portion of the character described,means for turning the ball portion on centers with the longitudinal axisof the ball portion rotating about said centers, 9. tool for cuttingsaid ball portion, and means for driving, said tool and said ballportion in timed relation whereby to cause the tool to follow the ballportion. 9. In a device for cutting a ball portion of the characterdescribed, means for turning the ball ball portion whereby to cause thetool to followthe path of movement of the ball portion.

10. In a device for cutting a ball portion of the character described,means for turning the ball portion on centers with the longitudinal axisof the ball portion rotating about said centers, a tool for cutting saidball portion, means for driving said tool and said ball portion in timedrelation whereby to cause the tool to follow the ball portion, and meansfor' turning said tool on its axis during said tool movement.

11. In a device for cutting a, ball portion of the character described,means for turning the ball portion on centers with the longitudinal axisof the ball portion rotating about said centers, 8. tool for cuttingsaid ball portion, means for driving said tool and said ball portion intimed relation whereby to cause the tool to follow the'ball portion, andmeans for turning saidtool onits axis during said tool movement, saidtool being moved so that the axis of said .tool turning 00- cu'piessuccessive parallel positions. I

12. In a machine for simultaneously cutting a plurality of pairs of ballportions carried by a shaft of the wobble crank'type, means for turnsaidshaft on its axis whereby to rotate the axes of said ball portions aboutsaid shaft axis,

cuttercarriers respectively associated with said ball portions, meansfor supporting successive carriers alternately on opposite sides of saidshaft, cutters respectively associated 'withsaid carriers, and meanscausing said cutters to fol-.

low the movement of the respective ball portions.

- ball portions, means for supporting successive .carriers alternatelyon opposite sides of said ,shaft cutters respectively associated withsaid carriers, and means for driving said carriers in timed relationwith said shaft. turning means whereby to cause said cutters to followthe movement of the respective'ball portions.

i 14. In a machine for simultaneously cutting 'aplurality of pairs ofball portions carried by a shaft of the wobble crank type, means forturning said shaft on its axis whereby to rotate the axes'of said ballportions about said shaft axis, ,cutter' carriers respectivelyassociated with said ball portions, means for supporting successivecarriers alternately on opposite sides of saidshaft, cuttersrespectively associated with said carriers, means for driving saidcarriers in timed relation with said shaft turning means whereby tocause said cutters to follow the mov'ementof the respective ballportions, and means for guid- ANDRE J.

